Started hiking at 3:00 am from Sardine Lakes Campground along the Tamarack Connection Trail, which traverses the hillside north of Sardine Lakes. At one point, I almost ran into a massive web across the trail with a wolf spider perched ominously at the center. My headlamp guiding the way, I continued onward and reached the lookout tower at 5:30 am. I waited for the sunrise on the lookout tower for about 20 minutes, but my body began to feel the cold and I decided to head back down. I arrived back at Sardine Lakes Campground at 8:00 am, having hiked 16 miles that morning. My family was still asleep in their tents.

Climbed the south side from the dirt road just north of Sierra City. I followed the switchbacks on the dirt road towards the west of the peak and then hit snow about 7,000 feet. Snowshoed up to right next to the summit. Very little visibility once above 8,000 ft due to cold, windy conditions. Best route given this early in the year due to Packer Lake being snowed in and Sardine Lake being much longer. Bushwacked down...however I recommend taking the 4wd road! Route seen here: https://www.strava.com/activities/561477942

This is a very beautiful hike! The scenery the whole way up did not disappoint. Awesome views of the upper and lower Sardine Lake's from the fire tower. Definitely going to have to go back and explore some more.

Beautiful day for a hike at Sierra Buttes. My daughter and I are preparing for a climb of Mt. Whitney later this year and this was a good conditioning hike. Perfect temperature, perfect weather, almost no wind wind. A light breeze to keep you cool. On the way up we only saw a few couples of people. We hung on top for awhile and met some nice people. Great hike.

Nice and easy hike from Packer Saddle, access to that point is easy for a 2WD. The hike up was pleasant, lots o stairs at the end. 3rd of a 3 peak day, after Haskell and Elwell since they are all accessed via Gold Lake Road. TR is HERE.

Great winter ascent. Climbed with a team of three from Sardine lakes. Ascended the northeast gully to a point where we traversed into the central gully and worked our way to the top. We discovered a nice short steep chute that tops out right at the base of the staircase. Our descent route was via Young America lake.

Drove the 4WD road to Tamarack Lakes and hiked from there -- but I wouldn't drive that route again; the road was too rough to be worth it. However I saw others parked within a half-mile of the summit -- apparently there are much easier roads. Spectacular geology at the top -- worth it hiking or driving. The stairs are steep but not nearly as freaky as the cables on Half Dome.

As you drive up, looking upon the steep eastern side of the Buttes it's hard to imagine how this is a short class 1. Then you gradually drive up and around to the gentle side that yields to a short and pleasant walk to the top. Stairs were really solid and no concerns unless maybe you had bad weather or ice.

Fairly gentle using the standard route up, easy to get to, and you drive most of the way to the top. The stairs were fun. We had beautiful weather, so maybe the stairs wouldn't be so nice on a cold/rainy/windy day?